Family and friends of Jonathan P. Gove are still
asking the question, Why? Jonathan, son of June (Heino) Gove and Les Gove
of Hudson, New Hampshire died on June 11, 2004 from injuries
sustained
from an automobile accident. The funeral was held at the Dumont-Sullivan
Funeral Home and the funeral mass was celebrated at St. Kathryn Church.
Father Gary's words inspired and comforted all attendees. He spoke of
Jonathan's baptism, Jonathan being one of God's children and assured
everyone that Jonathan would have eternal life and peace with God.
Jonathan, we are told, is in a better place; however without him we will
forever be changed.
On February 20, 1981
only four weeks after his birth, his new parents June and Les welcomed their
baby boy into their home and hearts. They chose the name Jonathan because
of its meaning, a Gift of God, and he truly was. They have certainly been
blessed by sharing Jonathan's short life.
As a baby Jonathan was loved and nurtured by his
parents as well as their large families and friends. He was a typical
little boy whose eyes lit up when he smiled. That smile was contagious and
was enjoyed by all he encountered.
Two year old Jonathan would take his Memere's cane,
use it as a microphone, and sing and dance to her. This is one of the many
fun times that they shared. When she died Jonathan was 5, Aunt Pauline knew
how much Jonathan loved and would miss her. She gave him Memere's
crucifix. Jonathan hung it on his bedroom wall just like Memere did in her
bedroom. He even hung it on his bedroom wall in South Carolina during his
college years.

At the age of three and a half Jonathan's sister
Megan was born. There was a bond that was indescribable. He showered his
sister with kisses and hugs and couldn't wait for her to get big so she
would play with him.

Jonathan�s creative mind was evident at a very
young age. His Legos and Constructs were
transformed into amazing things. He would turn items normal people would
disregard into a project that would occupy him and Megan for hours. Whether
it would be an empty box (climb in and close the cover for his disappearing
act) or scraps of wood to build little houses and tree houses.
Summers were enjoyed at the Gove family cottage on
Stinson Lake. Jonathan, Megan, and Cousin Shawn love the water and learned
to swim, water-ski, and other water sports at an early age. They never sat
idle even on rainy days with the board games, cards, fishing, and playing in
the rain looking for salamanders and night crawlers.
Jonathan loved animals and would spend hours in the
petting areas during vacation trips. He got his best present ever a
chocolate lab puppy, Toby, on his 10th birthday. We are not sure who took
care of whom, but they certainly learned a lot from each other. Taking care
of a puppy is a big responsibility as Jonathan soon found out!
Jonathan, Megan, and their mom and dad spent a lot
of quality time and enjoyed being together. Vacationing in the White
Mountains many attraction spots, Disney World trips, Southern Caribbean
Cruise, Myrtle Beach during Jonathan's college years and the every day to
day time spent together will be cherished.
At the Heino family gatherings Jonathan and his
cousin Ben were partners in everything including the bid whist card games.
They would love playing against their dads, Les and Roger their true
nemesis. With 25 family members you can imagine all the teasing and
laughter that took place over the years.
He attended the Hudson schools and played
basketball and baseball for the town recreation leagues. While attending
Alvirne High School Jonathan worked at the Green Meadow Golf Course, Sadler
Insurance Agency, and Golf and Ski Warehouse to cover his car, insurance,
and other personal expenses. He loved grown-up toys (cars, trucks, boats,
jet skis, etc.) and quality clothes. He would not settle for less than what
he wanted. He would work and save until he could afford the item and if it
was gone it wasn't meant to be.
In
Jonathan's yearbook he wrote, "To my sister, Megan, always remember to
strive for what you believe in, that makes you who you are. And to my
parents, I leave 18 yrs. of wonderful memories. The one change you gave me
made the difference in what I could have been to who I am now. You have loved
me every minute of every hour of every day and I thank you."
There was no question whether Jonathan would attend
college. His cousins Ben, Adam, Shawn, and Corey were excellent role
models, who attended college and received degrees in their chosen fields.
Cousin Adam and Jonathan took a road trip to check out
colleges and made it as far as Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While visiting
the area later with his family, they stopped to inquire about rates at a
golf course near their motel the first night they arrived. When Jonathan
rolled down his window of the car to ask, there was Bobby McCullough, one of
Jonathan's high school golf teammates and Tommy, one of Megan's Middle
school classmates. The McCullough family Bob, Lucy, and Tommy had moved
from Hudson to South Carolina for the warm weather because Bob has multiple
sclerosis and also to be near their son Bobby.
Jonathan called them his Myrtle Beach family. He
would have Lucy cook him macaroni and cheese and meatloaf, spend holidays
with them when he couldn't come to New Hampshire, and visit Bob and Lucy
even when Bobby and Tommy weren't there. "He took to my dad like no one
else has," Bobby McCullough said. Jonathan would not hesitate to pick up
Bob when he fell walking or help in any way without being asked. It seemed
he knew just what was needed especially when Bob needed cheering up.
Jonathan
and Bobby spend many hours golfing and became the best of friends. He lived
with Bobby during his final year of college after selling his condo. He was
also very close to Tommy. They would spend many hours fishing and Jonathan
helped him get a job at the Outback Steakhouse.
After graduating from Alvirne High School in 1999,
Jonathan received the following degrees: Associates of the Arts (2001) from
Horry Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Bachelor of
Arts/Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance (2003) at Coastal Carolina
University, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Southern New Hampshire University
will award Jonathan's family a posthumous honorary degree in his name on
September 15th, the university's next degree conferral date.
Jonathan had been working toward his MBA degree at the university.
Being the independent and individual Jonathan was
he worked full time while attending college and was a member of the
Accounting Club and Finance Club at Coastal Carolina University. While in
Myrtle Beach he worked at the Prestwick Golf Course as well as the Outback
Steakhouse and California Pizza during the peak seasons. He currently was
working at Marvin Windows and Doors Showcased by Millwork Masters full time while attending Southern New
Hampshire University for his MBA.
Megan has always looked up to her brother with
admiration and she says, "He is the best example for me to follow." She has
set her goals high like Jonathan and will be attending her third year at
Ithaca College this fall.
Jonathan has given so much happiness to his family
with his thoughtful ways, dynamic smile, motivation to achieve his highest
goals, and family values.
He is an inspiration to so many people. His
consideration and thoughtfulness were just a few characteristics of
Jonathan's that touched us all. He was there for you when you needed him
most.
Jonathan's phone calls and cards with his personal
messages to express his feelings were normal everyday occurrences. He was
appreciative for all the experiences he was given and never took them or the
people responsible for granted.
He took those experiences and grew as a person. He
had determination and motivation to achieve the most from his education,
employment, family, and friends,
Jonathan never sat idle. His life was full of
activities from fishing, golfing, water skiing, swimming, boating,
snowboarding, bowling, and basketball to going to the gym to "bulk up", as
well as sharing quality time with his family and friends.
God brings us into this world for a purpose. We
believe Jonathan touched anyone he encountered. He enjoyed and communicated
effectively with children, his peers, and elders of all ages. Jonathan was
very goal oriented and he would want us to follow his example by setting
personal goals that would add happiness and fulfillment to our lives. So
set a personal goal in Jonathan's name and when you achieve this goal
Jonathan will be smiling down at you.
June, Les, and Megan would like to send their
deepest gratitude to employees at BAE Systems, Nashua Corporation,
Weston Technology, Marvin Windows and Doors Showcased by Millwork Masters, Myrtle
Beach area Businesses and friends, St. Kathryn parishioners, friends, family
and the community at large for their generosity, kind words, thoughts, and
prayers.
A few of Jonathan's friends and co-workers
remembering an amazing person:
Garrett and Jonathan would spend hours fishing,
bike riding, and basketball, and being best friends growing up. Garrett
said, "We have been best friends since we were kids. We were like brothers
and we never lost that closeness even when miles separated us. I will
remember him always."
Jared writes: Jonathan is a man I look up to and
strive to parallel. I've never met anyone who had such respect for others,
as did Jonathan. He was a "forever friend" one that would always be there
to talk to, to hang with, and do stupid things with. He was my best
friend. My go-to-guy whenever there was anything I needed or just wanted
to say Hi. He was there for me. He knew how to make me feel confident when
I felt insecure. He knew how to make me laugh. Never forget Jonathan and
the things he has taught you and he will always be with us.
Chris remembers the good times on the slopes
snowboarding and hours on the golf course with Jonathan. "Remembering
Jonathan will be easy because he is in my heart."
Employee at Prestwick Country Club in Myrtle Beach
writes: Jonathan was far more than a mere employee; he was an outstanding
employee, a friend, and a shining example of how we wish more of today's
youth would conduct themselves. He was a very accomplished young man in
school, work, socially, and even showed incredible financial responsibility
for a man his age. We are happy to have known him and will miss him dearly.
Shannon Camp at Myrtle Beach writes: Jonathan was
truly a remarkable man and a son to be proud of. His kindness and warmth
always left me in awe. He always went out of his way to include everyone
and warm her or him with his smile. He had a positive aura about him that
exuded his warm personality. The world truly lost a very special person and
those in Myrtle Beach will never forget him.
Employees at Weston Technology write: Jonathan was
beautiful inside and out. His smile could make your day. We admired his
energy and motivation. He never stopped! Always making plans to do the next
adventure. We have very fond memories of Jonathan. We are blessed to have
known him. Jonathan always thought of others first. He took nothing for
granted. Jonathan's spirit will always remain in our hearts.
Alvirne School teacher writes: Jonathan and Megan
made my last few years teaching at Alvirne enjoyable and they will be in my
memory always. I will always remember Jonathan's enthusiasm, smile, and the
twinkle in his eye.
Mother of a girl Jonathan dated and worked with
writes: Jonathan helped my daughter realize that she must have a goal in
her education and in my mind helped her finally decide that college and a
career were important. She admired Jonathan because he was so kind, smart,
and career oriented. Jonathan touched our family's hearts in many ways.
Jonathan's female friends write: I already miss
Jonathan's smiling face and never ending laugh. He was such an inspiration
with such fierce determination and dedication. Jonathan touched everyone's
hearts, and we ache for him now.
Jonathan's beautiful personality will forever live
on through his family and friends. He was an amazing person. Everyone he
encountered loved him. He always was a beautiful, well-mannered, respectful
young man. I will never forget Jonathan Gove.

A Gift from God
The name Jonathan
means "a Gift from God" and he truly was. We have
certainly
been blessed by sharing Jonathan's short life. He was an inspiration to so
many people. His consideration and thoughtfulness were just a few
characteristics of Jonathan's that touched us all. He was there for you
when you needed him most.
Jonathan's phone calls
and cards with personal messages to express his feelings were normal
everyday occurrences.
He was appreciative for
all the experiences he was given and never took them or the people
responsible for granted.
Jonathan took these
experiences and grew as a person. He had determination and motivation to
achieve the most from his education, employment, family and friends.
He never sat idle.
Jonathan's life was full of activities from fishing, golfing, water skiing,
swimming, boating, snowboarding, bowling, and basketball to going to the gym
to "bulk up," as well as sharing quality time with family and friends.
Jonathan was very goal
oriented and he would want us to follow his example by setting personal
goals that would add happiness and fulfillment to our lives.

The Jonathan Gove Memorial Scholarship Fund is a NH non-profit corporation and is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3)of the Internal Revenue Code.